Retirement communities in Pennsylvania vary in their policies regarding pets, but here at Country Meadows we believe that animals provide a significant contribution to emotional therapy and welcome them. We feel that the benefits of keeping animals as companions on our senior independent living campuses in all levels of care are worth the extra costs. However, safety of our residents remains our top priority, so we are sure to address all concerns.

We are a pet-friendly senior independent living community for several reasons

Pets provide companionship that helps alleviate the feelings of loneliness. We believe this contributes to our residents’ overall quality of life, reduces depression and offers potential for improved health.

Because pets require a regular routine, they help our pet owners lead a more active lifestyle. Dogs especially require daily walks, opening the opportunity for social interaction and frequent activity. Our pet owners tend to spend more time walking around the campus, making physical movement a daily practice. Conversation with others and connection with animals keep our residents feeling vibrant and youthful.

Pets offer a sense of security and remind our residents of enjoyable memories of home, friends and family.

Our residents who own pets have a sense of responsibility that helps them retain mental acuity into the later stages of life.

Details to consider when contemplating pet ownership at a senior living residence

Pets can put residents at risk, especially those who are prone to injury sustained from trips or falls. We want to ensure that pets don’t pose safety hazards if residents plan to bring them from home.

Residents with immune conditions should be cautious of exposure to animals. A resident’s health takes precedence, so it is of utmost importance that we try to prevent any chance of unnecessary illness.

Pets are a financial responsibility. Caring for a pet’s needs includes far more than its daily nutritional requirements. Pets must regularly be examined by a veterinarian to ensure that they are current on all vaccinations and in good general health. We encourage residents to evaluate the financial requirements of their pets prior to making any long-term decisions.

Age, size and temperament of a pet should also be considered. Pets of smaller stature are easiest to care for; therefore, small dogs, birds, fish and cats often make the best companions for seniors.

Our commitment to pets and the seniors who love them

For residents who enjoy animals but have concerns about ownership, we offer several solutions. We have community pets and therapy animals that are cared for by our team. Our therapy animals are special guests that put smiles on everyone’s faces.

Country Meadows designates Pet Care Coordinators as part of our senior care services to make pet ownership a continued way of life for our residents. Our Pet Care Program offers walking and feeding assistance, litter changes and grooming, as well as veterinary care visits, medication administration and other needs as an additional service if a resident will be away for an extended period of time or can no longer take care of the pets but still enjoys their company .